This paper argues that ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) provides a flexible, cost-effective and broadly applicable alternative for building robust food systems and reducing the impacts of climate change. Focusing on Africa, the paper highlights actions to better manage ecosystems for food security, including: improve soil management to reduce degradation and erosion; improve agro-biodiversity; develop programs based on the progress of agricultural science and traditional knowledge; and improve capacities of farmers to manage investments and to access new technologies. The paper concludes that sustainable food security strategies must develop new opportunities, increase productivity in agriculture and assist in the development of domestic markets that can withstand international economic volatility. Investment in EbA is one of the most important keys to job creation opportunities that simultaneously contribute to poverty eradication and to sustainable long-term food security.